9 Best Things to Do in Florence (Must-Do Experiences You’ll Love)

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This guide rounds up 9 must-do experiences in Florence so you can make the most of your trip—not just famous sights, but memorable activities you can actually do.

Hungry? For budget-friendly sit-down meals, see our separate guide: Affordable Restaurants in Florence. For quick bites, check Florence Street Food: 3 Cheap Eats Locals Love. This article focuses on things to do.

1) Share a giant Bistecca alla Fiorentina

When in Florence, you simply have to try bistecca alla fiorentina—a thick T-bone from Tuscan Chianina beef, cooked rare to medium-rare and made to share (usually 1 kg minimum). Pair it with a glass of Chianti for the full experience.

For great value restaurants to try bistecca and more, see: our affordable restaurant picks.

2) Channel your inner Medici at the Uffizi

The Medici family bankrolled Renaissance masters like Botticelli, Leonardo and Michelangelo. Explore their legacy at the Uffizi, home to Primavera, Birth of Venus, Annunciation and more.

3) See David—yes, from the back too

The original David stands 3.88 m tall (over 5 m with base) and weighs about 6 tons. Circle the sculpture to appreciate the tension, elegance and power—views you’ll never get from a textbook. (Replicas stand in Piazza della Signoria and Piazzale Michelangelo.)

4) Bring home quality Florentine leather

Florence is leather country—home to brands like Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo and many artisanal workshops. Gloves, wallets and bags make excellent souvenirs. For shop ideas, see: Florence leather shopping guide.

5) Browse gold on Ponte Vecchio

Florentine goldsmithing is a storied craft. Stroll the Ponte Vecchio and its jewelry shops to find a special piece showcasing local workmanship.

6) Try Florence’s beloved street foods

Fast, tasty and inexpensive—perfect between museum visits. For under-€15 picks (lampredotto, focaccia panini, coccoli) with maps, read: our street food guide.

7) Join a Chianti winery tour

The Tuscan hills around Florence are postcard-perfect. Many guided bus tours depart from the city, combining cellar visits, tastings and time to buy your favorite bottles.

You can often find tours for under €50 (as of Aug 2025). Have a look here:

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8) Climb the Duomo and relive a famous love story

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is stunning inside and out—and the rooftop views are breathtaking. Japanese novel/film “Between Calmness and Passion” features the Duomo as a key setting; fans often make a mini pilgrimage while in Florence.

9) Watch sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo

A short uphill walk (about 2 km from the center) rewards you with a golden, unforgettable panorama of medieval rooftops at dusk. Pick up wine, prosciutto and cheese from a supermarket and enjoy a simple picnic on the benches.

Summary

Here are the 9 best things to do in Florence from this guide:

Need tickets? GetYourGuide often has availability for the Uffizi and Accademia even when official sites are sold out.

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